Peter Lovenkrands hails old pal Andy Carroll

PETER Lovenkrands has hailed his former Toon strike partner Andy Carroll as one of the best strikers in Europe – but hopes that he shows none of his immense ability against the Magpies at Anfield this Sunday.

PETER Lovenkrands has hailed his former Toon strike partner Andy Carroll as one of the best strikers in Europe but hopes that he shows none of his immense ability against the Magpies at Anfield this Sunday.

Just 12 months ago, Lovenkrands was Carrolls regular partner in crime in the Championship as the pair struck 35 goals together in attack to fire United to the trophy.

But Lovenkrands knows exactly what the Geordie if he shakes off a knee injury can offer.

However, he says it is up to Newcastle to ensure the striker has an off day in front of the Kop.

Lovenkrands told the Chronicle: Andy will be a real handful to go up against if he plays we knew that when he was in our team.

He was a fantastic asset for us hes so strong and one of the best in Europe.

Hes shown that again at Liverpool and with England.

Hes a great player, and I really wish him the best, but I just hope he doesnt score against us!

Itll be good to see him again.

But its up to us to stop him.

United slipped down to 10th place in the table last night after Stoke Citys win over struggling Wolves.

But the Dane knows that Newcastle can mix it with the best in the Premier League after holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw and already beating Liverpool at St James this season.

Lovenkrands said: Its going to be like the Man U game nobodys going to expect us to get a result at Liverpool.

Hopefully, we can go there and surprise a few people by getting a point or three.

They have a lot to play for, so theyre going to be up for it, but as a team we dont want to slack off.

Were up for any game.

United know a defeat could plunge them into the bottom half of the table at Anfield.

Yet Lovenkrands is focused on the target for the Mags in the final four games.

He says: Something will have to go fantastically wrong for us not to stay up, and if we could stay in the top 10 having come up from the Championship. It would be a fantastic achievement.

The team and the boys could be very proud of that.

It shows what good a group we have.

There have been ups and downs, but everybody has those.

Were in the top 10, and I dont think anybody could have predicted that.